Urgent operation

[Everdean]

Hello. After an MRi scan, I have been diagnosed with cervical stenosis and lumbar stenosis. Its also mentioned in my notes the name Courda Equina.I've been told I need an urgent operation. I was referred to a hospital and put on the waiting list 4 weeks ago. My Dr rang me about another issue and I told her that I was waiting to hear from the hospital. She found a letter , which I hadn't received. But in it I was told to ring the hospital on July fourth with a reference No. And a code . Which I did this morning. After a long wait I got through to a young man in a hurry. He said he didn't need a code etc just my NHS No. And said I have a 39 week wait. I was in shock and couldn't think what else to say. I am in a lot of pain and find it very hard to walk or stand for long.Not sure what to do now. Any suggestions would be helpful please.Thankyou

[Jenat]

your GP might be able to fast track you so worth asking him/her.

[Everdean in reply to Jenat]

Thankyou

[LM100]

My friend had some success bringing an op forward when both she and GP wrote to consultant about how her symptoms were affecting her (completely different condition though)

[Everdean in reply to LM100]

Thankyou

[Southerngirl2787]

I guess I'm not understanding the meaning of "Urgent" if they are letting you sit and wait. Is there no path to get this moving before you are rendered to a wheelchair? Cervical you don't mess with, I have fusions 5-8 there; my lumbar is half fused, the other are bone on bone, and the pain is not good with waiting! What do they recommend you do while you wait the next 6 months+??

[Everdean in reply to Southerngirl2787]

I'm sorry to hear about your plight Southerngirl12787.I am confused and concerned about it. . I think I will get in touch with a Dr again . Filling in the online form is tedious though with constant pain and brain fog.

Will have to do it though.

Thank you very much for your reply.

Much appreciated.

[bluebell99]

Awful news for you, and cauda equina can rapidly affect your bladder and bowel if the cause is not dealt with. If you are not too fussy about which hospital you go to, you are entitled to be referred to another with a shorter waiting list.

Your GP surgery should be able to help you, or access the NHS site about hospital waiting lists.

You could also ring your hospital and tell them you will accept a cancellation at short notice, just get a bag ready and be prepared in case this happens and you take it. I have managed to get several appointments and an operation by this method.

I hope your GP writes a stern letter emphasising the importance of having your condition eleviated sooner. Be pushy!!

Good luck x

[Everdean in reply to bluebell99]

A huge thank you for that reply. I am not a naturally pushy person but I will do as you say. Thank you very much bluebell 99

[Jubux]

I would suggest you contact the Spinal Injuries Association. It recently joined with one dealing with Cauda Equina, and has the following information on its website. If you have any questions, particularly about speed of treatment, ring them for an advice. One of the Specialist Nurses should be able to help you.

spinal.co.uk/get-informed/c...

[Everdean in reply to Jubux]

Thankyou . Very helpful x

[Teriparatide2024]

apparently in my area (East Sussex) if I had symptoms of Cauda Equina I should go straight to A&E in Brighton. Apparently that would be an urgent operation..

[Everdean in reply to Teriparatide2024]

Thankyou